Latest revision as of 13:34, 8 January 2012

Fructose

Description

Fructose is a form of sugar that is present in different fruits and honey. It is considered as the sweetest among the kinds of natural sugars. It comes from corn starch hydrolyses. It is produced by conversion of glucose into Fructose utilizing a glucose isomers enzyme preparation.

Therefore, being an isomer of glucose means that Fructose has similar chemical compositions that of glucose, but the atoms are arranged differently in structure.

History and Origin

Before, people believed that corn is not that sweet, and can’t relate how high fructose corn syrup came about. They know that corn contain glucose. They do not know it has fructose. In 1957, researchers made an enzyme known as glucose isomers. This enzyme rearranged the structure of glucose in corn syrup and made it into fructose. From 1970, Fructose began being produced on an industrial quantity.

In 1977, prices of sugar went sky high and manufacturers searched for a cheaper alternative for sweetener. Fructose started to gain popularity as a sweetener. It was also a good opportunity for corn growers that were losing market on margarine and shortening productions in lieu of soybeans. The demand for high fructose corn syrup negated their loss.

In 1984, Fructose gained a big leap in general acceptance when Pepsi and Coke began using it in their production.

Ancient Uses

In ancient period; corn, which is the source of Fructose was mainly used for food purposes. It was eaten as it is boiled or grilled. Corns were also turned into flour and as rice.
Some tribes use the corn husk for medicine by boiling in water. They believe it was good for the kidney.

Modern Uses

The main uses of Fructose are for flavoring, as skin-conditioning agent, and humectants. It is used in the formulation of bath products such as soap, bubble baths, and liquid soaps. In cosmetics, it is used in making eye makeup, face powder, and creams.
For hair care products, it is used in shampoos, conditioners, gels, softener, and dyes. It is also used in skin care products such as lotions, creams, sunblocks, tanning creams, and many more.
Fructose is also approved by FDA as safe for production of food. Common product is Fructose corn syrup, which compose of 42 to 55% Fructose. It is found in ketchup, jams, and canned vegetables, barbecue sauce, pizza sauce, soft drinks, cereals, fruit drink pouches, bottled juices, and processed foods, yogurt, and salad dressing.

Most liquid cough syrup and expectorants contain Fructose, especially those designed to taste better for children.

Side Effects

Based on reports and ratings, Fructose has no signs of danger to cause cancer, allergies and immunotoxicity, and danger to developmental and reproductive toxicity, contamination and other concerns.

It is also considered non-toxic to the environment and can be generally and specifically used in food. It is used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.
However, too much Fructose in the body is a possible cause of obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, and increase risk of heart attacks, can cause heart disease, formation of bad cholesterol, causes fatigue and mood swings.